Surgical templates for dental implant positioning; current knowledge and clinical perspectives

Deep learning-based approach for 3D bone segmentation and prediction of missing tooth region for dental implant planning

Recent studies have shown that dental implants have high long-term survival rates, indicating their effectiveness compared to other treatments. However, there is still a concern regarding treatment failure. Deep learning methods, specifically U-Net models, have been effectively applied to analyze medical and dental images. This study aims to utilize U-Net models to segment bone in regions where teeth are missing in cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans and predict the positions of implants. The proposed models were applied to a CBCT dataset of Taibah University Dental Hospital (TUDH) patients between 2018 and 2023. They were evaluated using different performance metrics and validated by a domain expert. The experimental results demonstrated outstanding performance in terms of dice, precision, and recall for bone segmentation (0.93, 0.94, and 0.93, respectively) with a low volume error (0.01). The proposed models offer promising automated dental implant planning for dental implantologists.

Impact of 3D imaging techniques and virtual patients on the accuracy of planning and surgical placement of dental implants: A systematic review

Aim

The integration of advanced technologies, including three-dimensional (3D) imaging modalities and virtual simulations, has significantly influenced contemporary approaches to preoperative planning in implant dentistry. Through a meticulous analysis of relevant studies, this review synthesizes findings related to accuracy outcomes in implant placement facilitated by 3D imaging in virtual patients.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across relevant databases to identify relevant studies published to date. The inclusion criteria were studies utilizing 3D imaging techniques, virtual patients, and those focusing on the accuracy of dental implant planning and surgical placement. The selected studies were critically appraised for their methodological quality.

Results

After a rigorous analysis, 21 relevant articles were included out of 3021 articles. This study demonstrates the versatility and applicability of these technologies in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Integrating Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), cone bean computed tomography (CBCT), and advanced 3D reconstruction methodologies showcases a trend toward enhanced precision in implant planning and placement. Notably, the evaluation parameters varied, encompassing distances, discrepancies, and deviations in the implant placement. The ongoing integration of systems such as dynamic navigation systems, augmented reality, and sophisticated software platforms shows a promising trajectory for the continued refinement of virtual reality applications in dental implantology, providing valuable insights for future research and clinical implementation. Moreover, using stereolithographic surgical guides, virtual planning with CBCT data, and 3D-printed templates consistently demonstrates enhanced precision in dental implant placement compared to traditional methods.

Conclusion

The synthesis of the available evidence underscores the substantial positive impact of 3D imaging techniques and virtual patients on dental implant planning and surgical placement accuracy. Utilizing these technologies contributes to a more personalized and precise approach that enhances overall treatment outcomes. Future research directions and potential refinements to the application of these technologies in clinical practice should be discussed.

Application of density functional theory for evaluating the mechanical properties and structural stability of dental implant materials

BACKGROUND

Titanium is a commonly used material for dental implants owing to its excellent biocompatibility, strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, lightweight nature, hypoallergenic properties, and ability to promote tissue adhesion. However, alternative materials, such as titanium alloys (Ti-Al-2 V) and zirconia, are available for dental implant applications. This study discusses the application of Density Functional Theory (DFT) in evaluating dental implant materials' mechanical properties and structural stability, with a specific focus on titanium (Ti) metal. It also discusses the electronic band structures, dynamic stability, and surface properties. Furthermore, it presents the mechanical properties of Ti metal, Ti-Al-2 V alloy, and zirconia, including the stiffness matrices, average properties, and elastic moduli. This research comprehensively studies Ti metal's mechanical properties, structural stability, and surface properties for dental implants.

METHODS

We used computational techniques, such as the CASTEP code based on DFT, GGA within the PBE scheme for evaluating electronic exchange-correlation energy, and the BFGS minimization scheme for geometry optimization. The results provide insights into the structural properties of Ti, Ti-Al-2 V, and zirconia, including their crystal structures, space groups, and atomic positions. Elastic properties, Fermi surface analysis, and phonon studies were conducted to evaluate the tensile strength, yield strength, ductility, elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, hardness, fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance.

RESULTS

The findings were compared with those of Ti-Al-2 V and zirconia to assess the advantages and limitations of each material for dental implant applications. This study demonstrates the application of DFT in evaluating dental implant materials, focusing on titanium, and provides valuable insights into their mechanical properties, structural stability, and surface characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of dental implant material behavior and aid in the design of improved materials with long-term biocompatibility and stability in the oral environment.

Comparison of Different Types of Static Computer-Guided Implant Surgery in Varying Bone Inclinations

This research aimed to compare the accuracy of dental implant placement among three types of surgical guide: metal sleeve with key handle (Nobel guide, Nobel Biocare, Göteborg, Sweden), metal sleeve without key handle, and non-sleeve without key handle (Dentium full guide kit, Dentium Co., Seoul, Korea) when placing the implant in different bone inclinations. A total of 72 polyurethane bone models were fabricated in different inclinations (0°, 45°, and 60°). The dental implants were placed in bone models following the company’s recommendations. After dental implants were installed, the digital scans were done by an extraoral scanner. The deviations of the dental implant position were evaluated by superimposition between post-implant placement and reference model by using GOM inspect software. The deviation measurement was shown in 5 parameters: angular deviation, 3D deviation at the crest, 3D deviation at the apex, lateral linear deviation, and vertical linear deviation. The data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests at a significance level of 0.05. The accuracy of the dental implant position was not significantly influenced by the difference in the surgical guide system (p > 0.05). There were significant differences between placed and planned implant positions in the different inclinations of the bone. A significant difference was found in all parameters of 0° and 60° bone inclinations (p < 0.05). At 0° and 45°, angulated bone showed significant differences except in 3D deviation at the apex. Between 45° and 60° were significant differences only in angular deviation. Within the limitations of this study, the accuracy of implant placement among three types of surgical guides (Non-sleeve without key handle, Metal sleeve without key handle, and Metal sleeve with key handle) from two companies (Dentium and Nobel Biocare) was similar. Hence, the operators can choose the surgical guide system according to their preference. The inclination of bone can influence the angulation of dental implants.

Peri-implant bone microstructural analysis and comparison of resonance frequency analysis before prosthetic placement: a retrospective study

Objectives

Fractal analysis is a mathematical method used for the calculation of bone trabeculation and lacunarity. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and fractal dimension (FD) of peri-implant bone to determine the preload stability of implants.

Materials and methods

In this study, the results of the fractal analysis calculated from the resonance frequency analysis results taken in the 3rd month of the patients who underwent 2-stage implant by the same doctor and the radiographs taken in the same session were evaluated. A hundred implants in 20 patients were applied in this study. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) values of the implants and fractal dimension values of the peri-implant bone were calculated.

Results

The findings showed that the ISQ1 (p = 0.008), ISQ2 (p = 0.038), ROI2 (p = 0.013), and ROI3 (p < 0.001) values were statistically significantly higher in men than women. The ISQ1 (p = 0.003), ISQ2 (p = 0.013), ROI1 (p = 0.011), and ROI3 (p < 0.001) of the mandible were statistically higher than the maxilla. The fractal dimension cut-off value to assess prosthetic loading was found 1.198.

Conclusion

Fractal analysis is a non-invasive method that can be used in conjunction with clinical examination in the prosthetic loading decision of implants. It is a valuable parameter that can be used without the need for an extra device when it is necessary to reduce the clinical study time.

Clinical relevance

Calculating the fractal dimension of the peri-implant bone is a practical, economical, and applicable method for clinicians. FD calculated from panoramic radiographs used for diagnosis in routine treatments in clinics where access to the necessary devices for ISQ measurement is not available will contribute to clinical practice.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00784-022-04464-3.

Duplicating Complete Dentures with Conventional and Digital Methods: Comparisons of Trueness and Efficiency

Background: A complete denture (CD) can be duplicated with a conventional or digital protocol. However, there are no comparative studies of these methods. This study aimed to compare the trueness and efficiency of conventional and digital CD duplication methods. Methods: A mandibular CD was digitized as the virtual reference model and duplicated using five methods (n = 10). The trueness (root mean square (RMS)) was calculated for the whole denture and across the dentition, cameo denture extension, and intaglio portions. The manual labor time spent during denture duplication was also recorded at different steps. The trueness and labor time comparisons were statistically analyzed among the five groups (α = 0.05). Results: The conventional group was the least true with the largest RMS (mean, 95% CI) in all of the comparisons. The four digital groups yielded similar trueness values across the dentition, cameo denture extension, and intaglio areas, yet they had a significant difference in the whole denture comparison between the Digital-CBCT-SLA printer (0.17, 0.15–0.19 mm) and Digital-Laboratory Scanner-SLA printer (0.13, 0.11–0.15 mm). The conventional protocol required longer trimming and finishing time (7.55 ± 1.02 min), as well as total labor time (27.64 ± 1.72 min) than the other four digital techniques. Conclusions: The conventional CD duplication method was less true and efficient than digital techniques.

Comparison of Implant Stability between Regenerated and Non-Regenerated Bone. A Prospective Cohort Study

Implant stability is one of the main indicators of successful osseointegration. Although it has been measured in numerous studies, there has been little research on implant stability in regenerated bone. The study compares primary and secondary stability between implants placed in regenerated versus native bone and evaluates the influence of bone quality on the results. Sixty implants were placed in 31 patients: 30 implants inserted in native bone (non-regenerated) after a healing period of at least 6 months post-exodontia and 30 inserted in regenerated bone at 6 months after grafting with xenograft. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was used to obtain implant stability quotient (ISQ) values at baseline (implant placement), 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Statistically significant differences were found between implants placed in regenerated bone and those placed in native bone at all measurement time points (p < 0.05). ISQ values were significantly influenced by bone quality at baseline (p < 0.05) but not at 8 or 12 weeks. Greater stability was obtained in implants placed in native bone; however, those placed in regenerated bone showed adequate primary and secondary stability for prosthetic loading. Bone quality influences the primary but not secondary stability of the implants in both native and regenerated bone.

The Effectiveness of Osseodensification Drilling Protocol for Implant Site Osteotomy: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis

Many different osteotomy procedures has been proposed in the literature for dental implant site preparation. The osseodensification is a drilling technique that has been proposed to improve the local bone quality and implant stability in poor density alveolar ridges. This technique determines an expansion of the implant site by increasing the density of the adjacent bone. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of the osseodensification technique for implant site preparation through a literature review and meta-analysis. The database electronic research was performed on PubMed (Medline) database for the screening of the scientific papers. A total of 16 articles have been identified suitable for the review and qualitative analysis—11 clinical studies (eight on animals, three on human subjects), four literature reviews, and one case report. The meta-analysis was performed to compare the bone-to-implant contact % (BIC), bone area fraction occupied % (BAFO), and insertion torque of clockwise and counter-clockwise osseodensification procedure in animal studies. The included articles reported a significant increase in the insertion torque of the implants positioned through the osseodensification protocol compared to the conventional drilling technique. Advantages of this new technique are important above all when the patient has a strong missing and/or low quantity of bone tissue. The data collected until the drafting of this paper detect an improvement when the osseodensification has been adopted if compared to the conventional technique. A significant difference in BIC and insertion torque between the clockwise and counter-clockwise osseodensification procedure was reported, with no difference in BAFO measurements between the two approaches. The effectiveness of the present study demonstrated that the osseodensification drilling protocol is a useful technique to obtain increased implant insertion torque and bone to implant contact (BIC) in vivo. Further randomized clinical studies are required to confirm these pieces of evidence in human studies.

CAD-CAM surgically-guided oral implant site expansion and implant placement in severely atrophic maxilla

During the rehabilitation of patients with atrophic maxilla, an oral implantologist may face a challenge in achieving accurate implant placement. We present a 54-year-old man who is completely edentulous with a history of unretentive conventional complete dentures. The patient sought help for a fixed implant prosthesis and disagreed with the proposed plan to restore his missing teeth using a removable prosthesis. Clinical and radiographic examinations showed a severely resorbed maxilla with horizontal and vertical bone deficiency. A computer-guided surgical stent was used to place implants in the atrophic maxillary ridge. A double cone beam CT (CBCT) scan procedure was performed. The first scan of the patient's jaw was done using a radiographic scan appliance, and the second scan was done only with the scan appliance. This was followed by virtual implant planning, after which we designed and printed the CAD-CAM surgical stent. From the pilot drill to the final one, implant site preparation was done using a guide. Furthermore, ridge expansion and implant fixture placement were performed using a planned surgical guide to ensure accurate and precise implant placement. Next, a postoperative CBCT was done to determine the accuracy of the computer-guided stent using In2guide Pro Software. By superimposing the preoperative plane onto the postoperative scan, the postoperative CBCT was aligned on the same axis as the preoperative image. This case report shows that computer-guided stents for severely atrophic maxilla can potentially be used to facilitate both implant installation and bone expansion. However, in order to reach sound conclusions, further randomised control trials with large sample sizes should be carried out.

[Precise implant insertion technology for measuring dental implant placement]

Identifying the ideal implantation site is important for the long-term stability and effectiveness of follow-up restorations. Implant surgical guide and navigation are used to determine the implantation site in clinic and improve the precision of implantation. However, due to difficulties in digital methods, such as multiple procedures, high cost, and actual accuracy of more than 1 mm, many physicians still prefer to operate with free hand. In preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedures, time-saving and practical methods for implant site evaluation are lacking. In many cases, oral physicians found that the position deviates only by cone beam CT, which was costly to modify the position. In this article, we presented a precise implantation insertion technology that is guided by a measurable technique throughout the implantation application for all implant systems. This method was guided by a dynamic control measuring ruler, which functions together with the measuring and intraoperative locating rulers. The 3D space of the operative area was measured by a measuring ruler prior to operation, and the implant plan and quantitative guidance design were conducted according to the measured and cone beam CT data. The whole implantation process was guided by the dynamic control measuring ruler, and measuring verification results were also considered. This method can realize the quantification of the entire preoperative space analysis, intraoperative precise implantation guidance, and postoperative site measurement and evaluation. This practical technique also helps to adjust the position, improve the implantation accuracy and is suitable in generalizing dental implantation.

An Easy Approach for the Fabrication of Surgical Template for Placement of Mini-implant

The success of dental implant depends on meticulous treatment planning. Restorative problems are often common with improper placement of implants, especially where the alveolar bone quantity is compromised. The accuracy needed in placement of the mini-implant is even more. Hence, the use of a surgical guide becomes essential. Various authors have suggested techniques for the fabrication of surgical and radiographic stents. These techniques make use of different materials in fabrication of stent. This article presents a simple technique for the fabrication of a surgical guide for the placement of mini-implants using simple readily available materials. The technique can be modified to be used for regular diameter implants.

Drill Bit Guiding System for Implant Placement

Introduction:

The implant angulation plays a very important role in the outcome of prosthetic and functional outcome. The conventional surgical stents uses a ring system to drill the pilot drill, only the CAD printed stents provides a guide sleeves for the sequential drill for implant placement.

The Purpose of this Study:

The purpose of the study was to fabricate a drill bit guide for the stent to transfer the angulation and implant placement planned using conventional method in prescribed drilling sequence.

Material and Methods:

A surgical stent with a threaded guide ring system was fabricated with internal drill bit guiding system. The interchangeable sequential drilling allows the drill bit to be in predetermined position throughout the procedure.

Results:

The surgical stent with the drill bit guiding system provided less than 1% error with a mean deviation of 0.48%.

Conclusion:

The drill bit guide fabricated has a complete limiting system and transfers the angulation and placement as desired with very minimal or no alteration, which enables the predetermined prosthetic outcome.

Use of a surgical template for minimally invasive second-stage surgery: A dental technique

The introduction of new techniques and new technology has been directly related to successful outcomes in implant dentistry. Merging information from high-quality cone beam computed tomography images and detailed prosthetically driven digital planning translates into computer-guided surgery. A surgical template is a guide used to assist in the proper surgical placement and angulation of dental implants. However, a surgical guide not only facilitates implant placement but can also be used for other purposes, including diagnosis, treatment planning, and even second-stage surgery. In situations where multiple implants have been placed through computer-guided implant surgery, the preexisting surgical template can be used to perform the second-stage surgery with a flapless approach if the patient's soft tissue condition permits.

Freehand Versus Guided Surgery: Factors Influencing Accuracy of Dental Implant Placement

INTRODUCTION

Patient anatomy, practitioner experience, and surgical approach are all factors that influence implant accuracy. However, the relative importance of each factor is poorly understood. The present study aimed to identify which factors most critically determine implant accuracy to aid the practitioner in case selection for guided versus freehand surgery.

METHODS

One practitioner's ideal implant angulation and position was compared with his achieved position radiographically for 450 implants placed using a conventional freehand method. The relative contribution of 11 demographic, anatomical, and surgical factors to the accuracy of implant placement was systematically quantified.

DISCUSSION

The most important predictors of angulation and position accuracy were the number of adjacent implants placed and the tooth-borne status of the site. Immediate placement also significantly increased position accuracy, whereas cases with narrow sites were significantly more accurate in angulation. Accuracy also improved with the practitioner's experience.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest tooth-borne, single-implant cases performed later in the practitioner's experience are most appropriate for freehand placement, whereas guided surgery should be considered to improve accuracy for multiple-implant cases in edentulous or partially edentulous sites.

MODERN KNOWLEDGE AND CLINICAL PERSPECTIVES OF USE FOR POSITIONING DENTAL IMPLANTS OF SURGICAL TEMPLATES. LITERATURE REVIEW

Subject. Since the mid-20th century, there has been an increase of interest in implantation for the treatment of partial and complete loss of teeth. P. I. Branemark was one of the first pioneers who developed an implant that forms osseointegration. Anatomical restrictions and restorative requirements prompt the implantologist to achieve the accuracy of planning and surgical positioning of dental implants. The ideal placement of the implant facilitates the creation of favorable forces on implants and prosthetic structures, and also provides an aesthetic result. Therefore, it is advisable to establish a logical continuity between the planned restoration and the surgical stages, it is important to use the transmitting device, which undoubtedly increases the effectiveness of the implantation. In 1987, M. J. Edge et al. recommended the use of surgical guides before the implantation operation. Currently, surgical templates have become increasingly used. The article presents data on the features of planning of implant placement and the technology of applying a surgical template for positioning the dental implant unit. Goal. To show the value of using surgical templates for the rational installation of dental implants and preventing possible errors and complications. Methodology. A search for literature using search engines such as Google, Yahoo and scientific bibliographic databases such as PubMed, Medline and textbooks was conducted until September 2017 using medical thematic headings like «Dental Implants», «Surgical Templates». More than 300 sources of literature were identified, after studying which they reduced to 28 sources of articles and literary reviews. Conclusions. The study of available to us literature, revealed the advantages and disadvantages of using surgical templates. The main advantages: precise placement of implants, preservation of anatomical structures; three-dimensional technology allows to accurately estimate anatomical points, such as the size of the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw and the location of the alveolar nerve in the lower jaw, high observable accuracy of 0.1 mm, reduction of the time of surgical intervention. Disadvantages: lack of visibility and tactile control during the surgical procedure, insufficient opening of the mouth jeopardizes the result of complex treatment, there is a risk of damage to vital anatomical structures.

Digital design of functional surgery for odontogenic cyst intruding into maxillary sinus

INTRODUCTION

Traditional Caldwell-Luc approach needs modifications for odontogenic cysts intruding into the maxillary sinus, to preserve sinus mucosa and bony contour. Recently, digital technology has been widely applied to the field of maxillofacial surgery, guiding the surgical plan and improving its accuracy.

OBJECTIVE

This study attempted to present and evaluate the functional surgery of odontogenic cysts intruding into the maxillary sinus using a computer-assisted pre-surgical design.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with odontogenic cysts intruding into the posterior part of the maxillary sinus were enrolled. Method I "Bony wall reimplantation method" was performed for large lesions exceeding the zygomatic alveolar crest but without apparent bone destruction of the anterior wall of the sinus, while Method II "bone removal method" was more convenient for small lesions near to the zygomatic alveolar crest. The gap was filled with a pedicled buccal fat pad after lesion removal and all cases were without inferior meatal antrostomy.

RESULTS

A total of 45 cases were included in the study. 22 were operated using method I while 23 were operated with method II. Operations were completed in 20min. Pain disappeared in 3.62 days on average, and swelling 6.47 days. Nasal bleeding occurred in 8 patients lasting 1-3 days. Suppurative inflammation was observed in 1 patient, and infection occurred after bone reposition. Other repositioned free bony wall was without resorption in CT images.

CONCLUSIONS

Sinus mucosa and bony wall should be conserved. Preoperative digital design can guide osteotomy effectively during the surgery. Bone reposition is not suitable for suppurative inflammation. The pedicled buccal fat pad is enough for drainage and inferior meatal antrostomy is not necessary.

In-office fabrication of dental implant surgical guides using desktop stereolithographic printing and implant treatment planning software: A clinical report

Guided surgery is accepted as the most accurate way to place an implant and predictably relate the implant to its definitive prosthesis, although few clinicians use it. However, recent developments in high-quality desktop 3-dimensional stereolithographic printers have led to the in-office fabrication of stereolithographic surgical guides at reduced cost. This clinical report demonstrates a protocol for using a cost-effective, in-office rapid prototyping technique to fabricate a surgical guide for dental implant placement.

Computer-Assisted Technique for Surgical Tooth Extraction

Introduction. Surgical tooth extraction is a common procedure in dentistry. However, numerous extraction cases show a high level of difficulty in practice. This difficulty is usually related to inadequate visualization, improper instrumentation, or other factors related to the targeted tooth (e.g., ankyloses or presence of bony undercut). Methods. In this work, the author presents a new technique for surgical tooth extraction based on 3D imaging, computer planning, and a new concept of computer-assisted manufacturing. Results. The outcome of this work is a surgical guide made by 3D printing of plastics and CNC of metals (hybrid outcome). In addition, the conventional surgical cutting tools (surgical burs) are modified with a number of stoppers adjusted to avoid any excessive drilling that could harm bone or other vital structures. Conclusion. The present outcome could provide a minimally invasive technique to overcome the routine complications facing dental surgeons in surgical extraction procedures.